LUCKY / Udachny by Hanne Van Assche documents a small mining town in the far East of Russia called Udachny - a remote region captured in the icy grip of winter throughout most of the year. Few people choose to live here, but those who do are proud citizens. Yakutia is known as the treasury of Russia. It is one of the world’s richest regions in natural resources. According to a Siberian legend, God once spilled a bag of earthly treasures over this part of the country. A thick layer of permafrost covers large reserves of coal, gas, gold and diamonds. Despite the barren climate most of the year, the heart of the people remains warm. The hospitality and optimism of the inhabitants soothes the harsh climate. It is they who turn the scenery of a frozen and isolated world, defined by extraordinary contrasts, into a vibrant and colourful community.

Hanne Van Assche (°1995) is a photographer based in Belgium. In 2022 she was a finalist for Portraits Hellerau Photography Award. Exhibitions in 2023 include: Show show gallery, Ghent, Zomersalon, Ghent and Rotterdam Photo Festival, the Netherlands. She received her master's from the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent (KASK), Belgium. Her work mainly focuses on social issues, with a documentary approach. In the past she has published work in De Standaard, NRC and The New York Times.